Quality of sleep much ‘better than income’

A healthy amount of sleep has a far higher impact on wellbeing than a 50 per cent increase in disposable income, a study has found.

There is a significant gap between those who are living the best and worst in Britain, with sleep quality found to be the strongest indicator of living well, the study by Oxford Economics and the National Centre for Social Research for Sainsbury’s found.

Those who are satisfied with their sex lives, have job security and a connection with their community are also disproportionately likely to rank at the top of the inaugural Living Well Index. Researchers found the average Briton has a “living well score” of 62.2 out of 100, with those living the best defined as the top 20 per cent.